Cal Poly Mustang News Garners 20 National and State Awards

SAN LUIS OBISPO — Mustang News, Cal Poly Journalism Department’s student-run integrated newsroom, received national and state recognition with 20 awards from the Associated Collegiate Press and the California College Media Association.

During the National College Journalism Convention Feb. 27-March 2, the Associated Collegiate Press awarded Mustang News first in Best of Show – Website Large School category and first in Best of Show – Multimedia Package for “Bringing Jams to the Gym.” Mustang News received third place for Best of Show – Special Section.

Staffers also received 17 awards from the California College Media Association, including:
- Best Feature Story: Brian De Los Santos, first place
- Best Sports Column: J.J. Jenkins, first place
- Best Arts & Entertainment Story: Aryn Sanderson, second place
- Best Video: Carly Rickards and Spencer Sarson, second place- Best News-Page Design: Kaytlyn Leslie, second place- Best Arts & Entertainment Column/Criticism: Nick Larson and Jake Devincenzi, second place- Best Feature Story: Aryn Sanderson, third place- Best Sports Story: Jacob Lauing, third place- Best Multimedia Presentation: Staff, third place
- Best Special Section: Staff, first place
- Best Back to School or Orientation Issue: Staff, second place- Best Sales Promotion Materials: Albert Chang, first place
- Best Online Promotion: Staff, first place
- Best Group Promotion: Nicole Bergmann, second place- Best Online Advertisement: Albert Chang, third place
- Best Color Advertisement: Kelsey Lancaster, third place
- Best Group Promotion: Staff, third place

The accolades follow significant changes in Cal Poly’s Department of Journalism. In fall 2013, the department announced the development of Mustang News, an integrated, digital-first student news organization. As part of the integration, Mustang News now reaches across platforms to include a twice-weekly print edition, TV news broadcast, radio broadcast, mobile app, video stream, and social media presence — all found on the newly awarded website, MustangNews.net.

About the Cal Poly Journalism Department
At Cal Poly, the Journalism Department offers a professional program that prepares students for real-world careers. Beginning with core courses that establish a strong foundation in the field, journalism majors then focus on media specializations of their choice. Students have the opportunity to acquire practical experience by working for the department’s converged media center, newspaper, campus radio and TV station, or the student public relations agency.